Camp Half-Blood Book 1: The Wild Zone by Rick Riordan & Annabelle Oh

 

Camp Half-Blood Book 1

Ever wonder what goes on at Camp Half-Blood in between Percy Jackson’s legendary quests? Find out in the start of a new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rick Riordan and an all-star team of coauthors!

In book one, five newbie demigods dare to enter Camp Half-Blood’s forbidden Wild Zone, unleashing ancient curses, bloodthirsty monsters—and a fight to survive.

Katie Kim may be a newcomer to Camp Half-Blood, but even she knows they weren’t supposed to be running through the Wild Zone—the forest is off-limits to campers and staff. Why, then, did Clarisse, head counselor of the Ares cabin, take her and four other newbies there in the dark of night and tell them to race back to camp by morning?

Clarisse’s threat was scary enough, but when Katie’s half-brother Grant goes missing, his disappearance sparks the arrival of vicious monsters and a mysterious curse. It’s up to Katie and the three remaining newbies—the Wild Omada—to brave the Wild Zone again and uncover its dark and deadly secrets.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249084568-the-wild-zone

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s always so much fun returning to the World of Percy Jackson. And what was even more fun of when this story took place. I assumed it was going to be our latest in the timeline. But nope! It actually takes place between The Lightning Thief and Sea of Monsters. Time to find out exactly what was going on at camp during the school year after Percy returned home from his quest. This is just beginning of this series with some new characters. Leading us off is Katie Kim. After an Ares hazing goes wrong, Katie loses her friend in the Wild Zone, a very dangerous part of the forest that no one is supposed to enter. Katie and a few campers were taken there by Clarisse to escape from. But someone didn’t come back. Katie’s half-brother, another son of Ares, Grant. Katie is determined to find him. But turns out there is a lot about that section of the woods that no one knows about. And soon Grant isn’t the only one that eventually goes missing. This was such a fun story overall. And that ending! Definitely leaves us wanting to know more. We see so many familiar faces of characters we loved and lost later in the series, so it was fun to see them again. We get some new faces that I’m excited to learn more about. And it’s just interesting to see how things are going right before the war against Kronos truly blows up. It’s the early days of wondering what exactly is going to happen next. I’m definitely excited to see where this series takes us. 

The Empyrean Book 3.5: Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

 

The Empyrean Book 3.5

Welcome to Threshing Day, the brutal, high-stakes trial where would-be riders at Basgiath War College fight to earn the bond of a dragon or die trying. Amid ruthless competition and dragon fire, these thirteen cadets must survive a battlefield where desperate rivals will do anything to gain an advantage and dragons decide one’s ultimate fate―and where a single choice can forge a rider…or destroy them.

Xaden Riorson, the powerful leader. Rhiannon Matthias, the clever friend. Dain Aetos, the dutiful rule-follower. Liam Mairi, the kindhearted protector. Ridoc Gamlyn, the jokester. Sawyer Henrick, the underdog. Garrick Tavis, the dependable aide. Imogen Cardulo, the impulsive fighter. Bodhi Durran, the second-in-command. Mira Sorrengail, the fearless rider. Brennan Sorrengail, the brilliant tactician. Aaric Graycastle, the restless royal. Sloane Mairi, the determined sister.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251172932-threshing-day

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Threshing Day has arrived! I’ve been beyond excited to read this collection of stories about so many of my favorite characters and the day they bonded to their dragons. Absolutely love it. There are stories with plenty of surprises as well as just plain typical when it comes to the riders and their dragons. And I loved each of their story. I loved getting to be in their heads to see what they were thinking and to hear their dragons speak for the first time. We get to see exactly why these matched with who they did and why they work so well together. It truly made me hope and wish that future books in this series will include more points of views from these characters. There is just so much story to tell. But I’m glad we got a book like this to see them now. It just made me all the more excited to for the next book to come out! You definitely don’t want to miss this story. 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 6: All Orc Nothing by Toby Wise

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 6

You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as ‘Creepin U’. The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the love stories unfolding between classes. 

Thane feels like a fish out of water when he enters Creepin U. Most of his life has revolved around taking care of his younger siblings and now that he’s on his own, it hits him all at once that he’s a thirty year old who’s got a lot to catch up on. For one, it might be nice to finally experience his first kiss.

Maverick needs a break. When he’s offered the position of taking care of the campus medical center, Maverick jumps at the chance at a slower paced job. That’s where he sees Thane for the first time and sparks fly.

The two can’t seem to stop running into each other and what starts as mild intrigue, very quickly turns into something much deeper. Terrible parents, deadlines, jobs, and blood moons threaten to make them stumble but every twist and turn only serves to bring them closer together.

All of Thane’s focus is on taking care of his family while Maverick just wants to take care of Thane.

All Orc Nothing is part of the Creepin U: Season Two collab series. Inside you’ll find an overworked human doctor, an orc who’s busy taking care of everyone around him, insta-love, an age gap, first times, size difference, power dynamics, a sexy blood moon, a Halloween Ball, a supportive twin sister, two younger siblings who ‘ship it’, found family, and of course, a happily ever after!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252818850-all-orc-nothing

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Thane didn’t have a normal childhood. He basically became a parent at fifteen to his twin brothers because their parents were constantly fighting and never around. Now, fifteen years later, him and his own twin sister are heading to college for the first time. Thane constantly worries about his younger siblings but they want him to start his own life. Starting college older than everyone might feel strange, but everyone at Creelin U make him feel welcome. And then he meets Maverick. The man working at the campus medical center. Never has Thane felt like this about someone before. And though there might be a bit of an age gap between them, it doesn’t stop them from falling hard for one another. Because when you’ve found your person, it truly doesn’t matter. Maverick is tired. He took this job at Creelin U to give him a break from the ER. He just never expected to find love either. Thane is everything he wants in a partner. And the more they get to know one another, the more true it is. Adorable story! Thane is just the sweetest. He is always taking care of others, and it’s about time someone took care of him. Maverick was exactly what he needed and vice versa. Loving season two of Creepin U!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Creepin U Season 2 Book 2: First Kiss with a Mothman by CD Rachels

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 2

You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the spicy male/male love stories unfolding between classes. ‘First Kiss with a Mothman’ is a monster romance. This spicy novel sings the tale of one grumpy mothman and a blind dude new to the university. Don’t read unless you enjoy first times, disability representation, musical moments, and dangerous twists. It’s part of the Creepin U: Season 2 collab series, and each book has a HEA.

I only want to keep my antennae down at college. That can’t happen while the distracting human boy has me hearing a new type of music.

Being the most well-known mothman in the country, I was never meant to live a normal life. My upbringing was far from average. I simply want to get my degree and start working.

But then I’m butting heads with a human dude, the only blind guy on campus. When we realize we have more in common than we thought, he asks to hang out. For some reason, he wants to be friends with a grumpy bug like me.

Still, I choose to befriend Arie. I find him more fascinating than I should. He’s a vulnerable human who ought to be more scared of the world than he is. He’s cheerful, optimistic, and way too endearing.

When his life is irrevocably changed before Halloween, I help him navigate this new identity. I need to be there for him as his friend, his confidante, and so much more.

Our lives are so different. Despite this, Arie is a flame I can’t stay away from. If we get together, will we fly into the sunset together? Or is our ballad a tragedy from the start?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252745486-first-kiss-with-a-mothman

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Mort came to college to escape from his childhood fame of being the mothboy. But even here, so many humans and monsters know his face. It’s hard to be the only mothman around. So keeping to himself is for the best. And for Arie, he came to school for some freedom. He’s human and blind and has a pet raven that is his guide. His mom is stifling and his cousin is essentially his mother’s spy. Is it so hard to get some independence? And then Mort and Arie meet and turns out they have a lot more in common than they think. While Arie’s crush on Mort becomes stronger, Mort still believes that he isn’t cut out for a relationship. But there is only so much he can do to keep his feelings shoved done. I loved these two! They were so sweet together. I loved how they formed this friendship that slowly turned into so much more. Mort is known for keeping to himself, but Arie really makes him step out of the shadows and be present. And for Arie, Mort gives him a chance to be himself and be so much more than his disability. This was just an overall fun story, with some pretty interesting twists as well! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Creepin U Season 2 Book 3: The Golden Receiver by Essie Sloane

 

Creepin U Season 2 Book 4

Kieran

When I got recruited to transfer to Creelin University to play football, I thought this might be my chance. I would be the first human on the team. I would make campus history.

Okay, really, I just liked the full scholarship that came with it. It was a great way to escape the small town I lived in with my Pops my whole life and the not-so-great college I attended.

I didn't expect to feel like a fish out of water. I really didn't expect there to be a werewolf going after the same position as me.

How can I compete with a supernatural creature?

Evander

When Coach Shaw said we were getting a human on the football team, I was excited! Except the human in question is grumpy, surly, and I'm not sure he knows how to smile.

He also wants to be the number one wide receiver on the team, the same position I'm trying to get. I know I'm the better player, but he keeps distracting me.

He smells really good, you know?

I really need to stay focused, and not on the distractingly handsome grumpy human.

You’re formally readmitted to Creelin University, known locally as “Creepin U.” The only things wilder than the monsters prowling around campus are the spicy male/male love stories unfolding between classes. ‘The Golden Receiver’ is a monster romance featuring a golden retriever werewolf and a black cat human. Expect rivals-to-lovers, football, and a himbo werewolf whose whole job is to play catch.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252462119-the-golden-receiver

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Kieran receives a full scholarship to play football at Creelin University, he can’t turn it down. He might be the only human on the team, but this is his chance to play professional football one day. But being on a team of monsters isn’t easy. He has to work even harder to prove he belongs there and can keep up. He also isn’t the most social person on the team. Making friends isn’t easy for him and he prefers to keep to himself. But no one seems to have told Evander that. Evander is determined to make friends with Kieran. There is something about Kieran that calls to him and while Kieran makes it very hard to be friends, Evander isn’t giving up. And it may be his determination that eventually gets Kieran to warm up to him. Especially after they kiss. And when others on the team threaten Kieran, Evander won’t let anyone hurt his human. This was a fun story! We definitely get some sunshine and grumpy vibes. And I love that Evander doesn’t give up on Kieran. Kieran may be a bit prickly, but he needs someone in his corner. And Evander really truly proves to be a great friend and more. It was fun to see Kieran fall for Evander bit by bit. And vice versa. Another great story in this series! And I’m looking forward to more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Empire of Sins Book 2: Deviant Need by L. Norell

 

Empire of Sins Book 2

Taken in by the Avrorin family as a child, Daniil has only ever had one safe place: Mikhail Avrorin.

For eight years, he’s wanted more, consumed by a one-sided crush triggered by a forbidden encounter in their teens. A crush so devastating, and buried so deep, he’s almost at a breaking point. When he tries to pull away, Mikhail pulls him in tighter, unwilling to let him go despite both wanting the impossible.

Over the years, they’ve become inseparable, codependent in ways that cross every line of what’s healthy. And they shouldn’t want each other the way they do. It’s forbidden. Wrong. But one kiss has the power to destroy every wall they’ve built.

When Daniil decides to search for his biological family, against the Avrorins’ wishes, Mikhail is the only one he trusts to help. But the truth runs deeper and darker than either of them expected, and some of it was never meant to be found.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/254107114-deviant-need

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Daniil and Mikhail have been inseparable since they were children. Daniil was brought to Mikhail’s family under pretty mysterious circumstances when he was two. Injured badly and unable to speak. It wasn’t until much later thanks to Mikhail that Daniil was able to speak words. And to this day, he can only do it for Mikhail. It was also as a teenager that Daniil realized that he was in love with Mikhail. Something he knew he would have to keep to himself forever for many reasons. Daniil is Mikhail’s person. They are super codependent and Mikhail just knows he can’t ever lose Daniil. But then Daniil has been acting strange lately. Trying to keep his distance, and Mikhail isn’t having it. Until it finally just clicks. What these feelings for Daniil are. And when they finally cross that line, there is no going back. Add into the fact that their family are mafia and their father is insane. And when Daniil decides it’s time to search for answers on where he came from, neither realize just how much trouble they are about to get in. Oh man, these two. They break your heart over and over, with what they have been through and continue to go through in this book. But they have each other. They truly are one another’s person. They’ve always been. So much goes down in this book and I definitely can’t wait for book 3 where we get some final answers to questions we’ve been asking since book 1. Really enjoying this series overall! And I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Van Doren Book 10: Jalon by Crea Reitan

 

Van Doren Book 10

I want him for selfish reasons.

I’ve spent the last thirty years building an empire for my family. I never want anyone I love to find themselves in the same position I was when my parents left: a failing company, an Estate in ruins, and my four brothers under seven for me to raise. 

The world sees a king - infallible, untouchable, and unshakable. Knowing how to control my features and wearing a suit like armor, no one can see the scars of the mistakes I’ve made nor do they know I’ve conducted all my relationships like business transactions. 

Right up until Levis Li turned my life inside out in the best possible way. Then the fool decides to use himself as live bait for a doctor killing his patients. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/255745074-jalon

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s finally Jalon’s turn! This has been a long awaited story for the Van Dorens. We’ve known for a while who Jalon ends up with based on a few outside stories of the Van Doren series thanks to when those take place. But now we actually get to see how Jalon and Levis got together. Their story was happening for quite a bit, quietly, like those two tend to be. To everyone, Jalon is this untouchable king. Always there for his family, protective, and successful. And just so many other things. But when it comes to love and relationships, he’s never truly sought them out. Especially when his ex harmed his children. Something he still feels guilt for in not seeing it sooner. His children love him and have never truly blamed him. So then there is just this moment between Levis and Jalon and it is like something clicks. For both of them. What starts out as really these secret hook ups turns into so much more as time goes by. Levis had a plan for his life, but things change as you grow. Life changes. Levis never expected to fall for Jalon. That there could be a future together. And it’s a future they both more than deserve. I really loved these two. I was so excited to see just how they got together and how they fit. And after their story, it’s more than clear that these two could not be more perfect for one another. And with all Van Doren stories, on top of a romance, we get a pretty crazy side plot where the Van Dorens get to stop some pretty bad people. This time involving a hospital and one bad doctor. For those who love King Jalon, you will not be disappointed in his story! It’s well worth the long wait to get us here!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.